The focus should be on American jobs, Perry said, "and that is not on these social issues.”

"I think the social issues should be decided state-by-state rather than being something in Washington, D.C. to try to make one-size-fits-all."

At a speech last week in San Francisco, the longtime Republican governor - who ran for the White House in 2012 and is considering another bid in 2016 - was asked whether he thought homosexuality was a disorder.

"I may have the genetic coding that I'm inclined to be an alcoholic, but I have the desire not to do that - and I look at the homosexual issue the same way," Perry said during that event, immediately sparking backlash from Democrats and gay rights organizations.

Asked repeatedly Wednesday on CNN about the controversial comparison, Perry did not elaborate further on his views on homosexuality.

"I got asked a question and I responded the way that I have before,” he said.

soundoff(566 Responses)

why would you not allow those who want to be cured to be cured with psychology ... afraid of the 90% success rate?

give them a choice ..."

You can't cure ignorance that has its roots deep in religion.

June 19, 2014 11:29 am at 11:29 am |

tim

being gay is not something you "cure". what a totally idiotic and ill-informed opinion. he must not truly know any gay people. otherwise he might not say such ridiculous things. by the way, i hardly consider this a "grilling". I liken these stupid opinions of the gay lifestyle like how many of the white supremacists felt about blacks, jews (anyone who is not white like them) with such superficial judgment. in time they will either die or get on board with the progress.

June 19, 2014 11:29 am at 11:29 am |

CryBabies

The "host" is Stephanie Cutter an Obama campaign operative. She's a political dirt-digger and does a very good job of distorting the truth to benefit her cause.

June 19, 2014 11:30 am at 11:30 am |

BUD

90% cure rate?
For what.Stupid comments like that.

June 19, 2014 11:32 am at 11:32 am |

cc423

cure it: Were you "cured"? Or are you just lying to yourself because right wing conservatives want you to disappear? And if you are not gay, then you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.

June 19, 2014 11:32 am at 11:32 am |

Ralph in Orange Park FL

Personally, I think Perry compares unfavorably to a box of rocks.

June 19, 2014 11:32 am at 11:32 am |

anon

"Threre is a cure..."

Too bad there is no cure for stupid, Mr Perry could use one.

June 19, 2014 11:33 am at 11:33 am |

sol

how does one cure depravity?

June 19, 2014 11:33 am at 11:33 am |

Garry Owen

A more pressing issue is your Red Welfare State, and the fact that it is really that evil Washington that keeps your state welfare afloat.

June 19, 2014 11:33 am at 11:33 am |

PACjim

Yes, there is also a cure for stupid. Its called education.

June 19, 2014 11:34 am at 11:34 am |

Jason

There is no such thing as a "90%" success rate with reparative therapy, the "cure" that "cure it" speaks of. Rather, reparative therapy has been found so harmful beyond any therapeutic benefit that it has been discredited by the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Medical Association.

Please refrain from posting scientifically inaccurate and potentially harmful advice in the future.

June 19, 2014 11:34 am at 11:34 am |

Flm3454

"I think the social issues should be decided state-by-state rather than being something in Washington, D.C. to try to make one-size-fits-all."

Let me rephrase that for you: "I think the second sentence of the Declaration of Independence should only apply state-by-state instead of to the entirety of the US."

June 19, 2014 11:35 am at 11:35 am |

Sam

Wonder how upset people would be if we opened up a straight therapy to help those express their gay genes which have been suppressed thanks to social and religious pressure to be "normal" and hide ones true genetic nature. Somehow I don't see that working out too well.

June 19, 2014 11:35 am at 11:35 am |

fat boy

Too bad there is no cure for stupid......a pill or something. Rick Perry could pop a few every day.

June 19, 2014 11:36 am at 11:36 am |

Gary, Hunt Valley, Md.

we are who we are. it's a simple credo that breeds acceptance, tolerance and peace among individuals. either Perry is too dumb to grasp that or he's too cynical for political reasons. I'm going with the former. OOOPS.

June 19, 2014 11:37 am at 11:37 am |

I'm sorry, what?

A 90% success rate of what? A 90% success rate using conversion therapy? If that is indeed the case then I have to assume you meant there is a 90% success rate that it will fail.

June 19, 2014 11:37 am at 11:37 am |

Van

Probably is genetic. Gotcha journalism trying to make a name for herself. He had it right is to just let the states sort it out. If want to be gay or an alcoholic or whatever the issues that we all have who cares but letting the pc police go wild is not the solution. Right now you can pick the state of your preference if that rules your life.

June 19, 2014 11:38 am at 11:38 am |

scott

does it matter??? the only way ricky boy ever sees the white house is if he takes the tour

June 19, 2014 11:39 am at 11:39 am |

Rudy NYC

Dominican mama 4 Obama

The more he talks the smarter he sounds, doesn't he? ;)
And those glasses really wrap up the package nice and intelligent-like.
---------------------------
The glasses make him look like the guy coaching the Russian World Cup Soccer team. It's pretty amazing.

June 19, 2014 11:41 am at 11:41 am |

DudeatIntel

So ... Perry thinks jobs should be a priority over social issues. No one else seems to have caught this. Why?

June 19, 2014 11:41 am at 11:41 am |

jdaniels

Nice to see state rights thrown into a issue once again. What might be a good cure is not not elect idiots in the first place.

June 19, 2014 11:49 am at 11:49 am |

TXBiker

If Perry can't be president for all Americans, he shouldn't be president.

June 19, 2014 11:51 am at 11:51 am |

fibsernum

Why have a "one size fits all" approach?
I think there is something about equal rights for all that this country claims to cherish.
Would we really have some states allow women to vote, and others not.
Shall we have equal housing and educational opportunities for all races in some states and not in others?
The Texas conservatives are very proud of their ignorance and determined to fight for it.
I hope they can be "cured" someday. I guess scientists will have to isolate the bigot gene and remove it.